Dynasty continues for Panthers

Ourimbah upset Terrigal in Union

4 September 2017

AFL: The Black Diamond Cup grand final over the weekend saw Terrigal Avoca's era of dominance continue, as they beat Cardiff 89-80.

The Panthers won the seesawing contest at Newcastle's No1 Sportsground in the second and third quarters, where they kicked nine goals to four and insulated themselves from a comeback by the Hawks in which they kicked the only three goals of the last quarter.

James Webster won the McBain medal for best on ground, after kicking two crucial goals early in the game.

Speaking afterwards, Panthers captain-coach Mark Skuse credited the club's sustained success to the on and off-field support each grade offers the others.

"It flows right through to the top level, with the aspirations of the players," Skuse said. "I think it's their just deserts, to play the way they have all year, be the benchmark, and get over the line today."

The Panthers' fourth premiership in six years is also their last before an equalisation strategy that will see the competition grow from 6 to 11 teams kicks in next year. Local sides Gosford and Wyong Lakes will be promoted from second to first grade as part of this.

But Skuse says he's confident the Panthers' league-leading form will continue despite the shake-up.

"I can't see why not, every team every club will under the same pressure to recruit well on and off the field. If the boys come determined, any new players and staff we can get... we're bound to have another strong year. The way this club and the culture is, we breed that strength."

League:

Top side Wyong have secured their spot in the 2017 Rugby league grand final, with a narrow 14-12 win over main challenger Terrigal in Doyalson yesterday.

The Sharks will face the Entrance, who beat Erina 36-18 on Saturday, in the Preliminary final next weekend.

Union:

A major upset was the story of the weekend in central coast rugby union, with Ourimbah inflicting Terrigal's first defeat of the year.

They won 30-25 after coming back from 13 points down late in the first half.

Ourimbah now heads straight through to the grand final in two weeks time, while Terrigal will now face Kariong in next week's preliminary final for the chance to play Ourimbah again.

NSWRL:

The Wyong Roos have edged closer to Premiership glory, qualifying for the Preliminary Final on the weekend in a thriller against Cantebury.

They won 34-26 in extra time, with Momrovski and Tuivasa-Sheck scoring the winning tries.